Let’s Talk About Fear…

Let’s talk about “Fear.” How can Fear help? Here’s how: Facing Fear is the key, if only for today, of moving forward. We need to face up to Fear. So, first, let’s talk about Fear.

Our Fear could be lingering Fear left over from something that has happened in the past. Or, it could be Fear caused by questionable conditions in the present.

Perhaps it is Fear of the unknown future. The experience of Fear may be related to sensing the possibility of sudden ambush, or some other warning, danger or peril. On the exterior level, Fear is related to the dread of being startled, apprehended or blocked by outside forces, known or unknown. On the interior level, we may recognize internal Fear as we experience various physiological sensations, maybe quivering or fluttering. Trembling, perhaps or a sinking feeling in your gut.

Fear can manifest as anxiety, depression, disillusion, loneliness or despair. Sometimes I know I am afraid when my “blood boils.” My blood boiling is a feeling of heat and energy rising in my body. This sensation also involves anger – and what is anger but feeling contained in a too-small space? Perhaps the sense, for example, of being misunderstood, or, in some other way, way-too-confined.

Fear can take us either way: into action – appropriate or inappropriate – or into withdrawal. The sensation of Fear can paralyze us, cripple us, keep us captive, and bind us until it seems we cannot move. We may experience the desire to cover up and disappear. Or, the desire to run away. Or, the desire to fight – depending on the situation. Fear can be a powerful “friend.” And, Fear can be a powerful “foe.”

The point, for us, today, is to look at Fear as a teacher. What can we learn from taking on Fear – face-to-face? And, it is no small point to realize that it is Fear that can keep us from fully embracing our Heart’s Desire. Yes, Fear can arise as a natural ingredient in the process of our seeking. We may Fear something from without, or we may Fear something from within. What about the litany of doubts that goes along with the creative process? The process of change? All the What Ifs? What if I can’t What if I’m not good enough? What if I fail? What if I’m not smart enough? What if I’m not wealthy enough? What if I’m not well enough? What if my resources run out? What if no one is there for me? The list goes on and on and on.

So, how can we recognize our Fear – and then move beyond it? Or, maybe I should ask, first, Why would we even want to move beyond our Fear? Simply, so that Fear does not hold us back from the rich and full life we wish to inhabit or the deep connection we want with another. At the end of our lives, we do not want to say, Fear held me back. We want to say, I may have felt Fear, but I went for it anyway.

That brings up the question: What is important enough to “go for” “anyway”? The answer lies in our sense of “mission” or “desire” or “passion” for that which we are pursuing (our Heart’s Desire). When you know yourself deeply, why you are “here”, and what you are seeking, Fear may remain with you to some extent, but Fear will no longer be able to overpower you. You will be living proactively. You will be strong in your task. And you will be able to face Death knowing that you gave it your all. Yes, even Death. For one who has not lived to the fullest, Death is an unwelcome master. For one who has lived to the fullest, “Today is a good day to die.”

To bring up a powerful example of what I’m talking about, consider Martin Luther King. Was he afraid? Yes. Did Fear overpower him? No. Why? Because he understood himself and his task. He knew what he was doing. He knew this through contemplation, deep inner work. His inner journey took him “to the mountaintop” – and knowing himself, he could put Fear in its proper place. Even though he felt anxiety, he found his freedom in his cause.

I am not saying I expect you to be Martin Luther King. I am only saying that the way through Fear is to Know Thyself – and to Thine Own Self be True. Facing and overcoming Fear requires self-knowledge – and that is the path we are on. This means that we can walk through Fear by understanding our Love, both inner and outer. We can align with our Love and embrace the New Land that is there waiting for us: within and without.

We could talk about this subject endlessly. It is That Important. But, for now, I will stop here. I will leave you with the mantra: Replace Fear with Awe. Try it out and see what happens. Let’s try it out today, Halloween, the day that the spooks are out and about in a grand show. Yes, let’s start today: let’s face our Fear and move beyond it into the embrace of our Heart’s Desire.

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Testimonials

I experienced a container that created safety

“I experienced a container that created safety for the participants and me to be open and authentic. I didn’t learn a great deal of new ideas here, the surprise was how they were welded together to form a road map to a better destination.” – Robert W

Fabulous Workshop

What a Fabulous workshop, the facilitators, the content, the concept of the participant interactions in dyad and in group exercises lead to an awesome group connection right from the start! As a facilitator myself I recognized the talent that each facilitator brought to this workshop! The ability of each facilitator to hold the participants at a grounded level during each and every level of the weekend was truly inspiring! I would do this workshop again and again! So much gratitude ~ Brock F

Overall a positive experience

“Bob has an amazing ability to hear what people’s input is, and openly accept even criticisms without reacting (i.e. voice tone, impatience, arguing, ego battling, etc.) The total lack of criticism of anything that was voiced (I think) created a space for total trust. Participants who brought up trust issues the first evening of the workshop quickly flipped to opening up in a trusting way, risking the vulnerability to make changes quickly. Overall a positive experience. I look forward to seeing where it grows to under Bob’s direction.” – Laura G

Master of Understanding

Bob Jones is a master of understanding the dynamics of relationships and of our own self-awareness and responses. I’ve had the pleasure of watching Bob facilitate many processes during which someone had a significant “a-ha” moment and they claimed back a huge chunk of their power, choice, and joy. Bob is very well read and experienced and this shows up in his ability to draw upon many modalities and tools when helping someone rediscover their own truth. But most importantly, Bob brings a huge depth of caring and sweet fierce curiosity that results in one feeling totally heard, valued, and… Read more “Master of Understanding”

Empowering Heart-Opening Experience

“Both and intelligent overview of the elements of human interaction and how to use them to deeper intimacy and an empowering heart opening experience.” – Travis C

Well done Connexions!

“I have attended numerous relationship programs over the last 25 years. This one stands out. I am refreshed with appreciation and awe for the many miracles of healing that I experienced in this program. Well done Connexions!” – Howard S

Deep Dive

I was amazed by the deep dive into all of the material presented, including the additional resources offered with the connexions.world Website, and I look forward to participating in the ongoing community of ConneXions attendees!” – Dan G

Workshop provided a place of safety

“This workshop provided a place of safety and offered useful tools to enable me to continue my journey to living my life in the moment, in awareness, being equanimeous and being of service to others.” – Daphne S

I Appreciate the vision and intention

“I very much appreciate the vision, intention, of this workshop and passion and commitment of the instructors.” – Sanae O

Life changing workshop

“A life changing workshop that provided me with a sense of hope and movement away from feelings of hopelessness and stagnation. It provided excellent information and facilitation in a safe and supportive environment. The exercises were challenging but helped me to identify the blocks in my behaviors that have held me back from continuation of personal growth, development, health and ultimately a sense of joy and happiness. I feel better prepared, informed to continue movement in personal growth, integration and development. Working towards a sense of joy.” – Judith S

I learned New Ways to Listen

“I attended the ConneXions Intensive with my husband and went away with a better understanding of him and of myself. I learned new ways to listen and speak, great reasons for making growth in this area important in my life, and hope that with the workshop’s materials to take home, my learning will continue.” – Jo Ann H

This course is clearly important and needed

“Glad to have participated in a workshop that has even more relevance in this world of separation through many experiential exercises through connections (with self and others.) This is a course that is clearly important and needed in today’s disconnected world, bringing the heart of the matter into awareness.” – Musa K

Most Helpful

“I am on a journey. This weekend has been most helpful in helping me grow and become more positive in my life.” – Richard S

Very powerful

“Very powerful overall. I experienced growth on a personal level and that is why I attended.” Kim F

Highly Recommended!

“The ConneXions workshop offered a wonderful and insightful deep dive into human relationships – what it means to connect and what keeps us from connecting more fully. I left the workshop clearer on what I want from life and how I can go about getting it. I also formed the beginnings of several meaningful relationships with the other participants. Highly recommended!” – Peter S

I was in a safe space

“I felt I was in a safe space that allowed me to explore my inner child in a beautiful way.” – Alex T

In all honesty…

“In all honesty, I was not looking forward to coming to the ConneXions weekend but I knew it was important to my husband, Dave. It was our 23rd Anniversary so I put my excuses aside and made the decision to go. I am so glad I did. I felt closer to Dave than I had in over twenty years. This workshop was incredibly powerful for me and it greatly increased the connection I have with my husband.” – Jen G

Workshop was deep, rich and stimulating

“The content of the workshop was deep, rich and stimulating. The manual is superb and greatly appreciated. Facilitation was authentic, transparent, passionate and sincere. I appreciated Bob’s humility, Ipswa’s fluidity and assertiveness and Howard’s openness. Clearly all 3 of you bring huge heart to this mission of connection and awakening.” – Sharon A